Trending Now - Mamdani Establishes Office to Combat Deed Theft Following Arrest

WHO:

Gothamist - Mayor Zohran Mamdani established the Office of Deed Theft Prevention.

THE CITY - Peter White, a longtime homeowner assistance lawyer, was appointed as the director of the new office.

THE CITY - Councilmember Chi Ossé (D-Brooklyn) was involved in the arrest related to a deed theft case.

WHAT:

THE CITY - The Office of Deed Theft Prevention was officially launched on April 22nd, 2026.

THE CITY - The office will focus on a three-pronged strategy: catching deed theft early, educating homeowners about risks, and helping recover homes.

THE CITY - Mamdani's preliminary budget allocates $500,000 to the office for the current fiscal year and $1 million for subsequent years.

THE CITY - The office will coordinate with the Attorney General’s office and district attorneys to take on cases.

WHERE:

THE CITY - The Office of Deed Theft Prevention will be housed within the Department of Finance in New York City.

THE CITY - The eviction case involved a property in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn.

WHEN:

THE CITY - The Office of Deed Theft Prevention was established on April 22nd, 2026.

THE CITY - The arrest of Councilmember Chi Ossé occurred on April 19th, 2026.

WHY:

THE CITY - The establishment of the office is intended to protect homeowners from fraud and theft, particularly in historically Black areas with rising property values.

THE CITY - Mamdani stated that "the theft of a home is the theft of a family’s future," highlighting the impact of deed theft on families.

HOW:

THE CITY - The office will work closely with other agencies, including the Department of Housing Preservation and Development, the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, and the Commission on Human Rights.

THE CITY - Peter White mentioned that the office will provide a place for individuals to seek help regarding their property issues, even if they are unsure if they are dealing with deed theft.

(UPDATED April 24, 2026 15:21 UTC)

on Wednesday, Mayor Zohran Mamdani officially launched the Office of Deed Theft Prevention in New York City, appointing Peter White, a seasoned homeowner assistance lawyer, as its director. The office aims to protect homeowners from fraud and theft, particularly in historically Black neighborhoods, by focusing on early detection of deed theft, educating residents about risks, and assisting in home recovery, with a budget of $500,000 for the current fiscal year. Additionally, Councilmember Chi Ossé was involved in an arrest related to a deed theft case that occurred on Sunday, highlighting the urgent need for this new initiative.